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17th April 2011

PERTH SPEEDSTER ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Cassy Budgeon

Fast Femme Cassy Budgeon will make her third start at the National Championships this weekend. Pic: AF Images

For the past eight years Cassy Budgeon has been tearing up kart tracks across the State and loving every minute of it.

This weekend she will compete in the biggest event of her career – the 49th National Sprint Kart Championships at the Cockburn International Raceway just South of Perth.

Budgeon’s love affair with the sport of karting began at the age of 14 after she initially wanted to race motocross, however, her parents thought that four wheels were better than two.

“Dad raced motocross and I wanted to be like him but he thought four wheels was safer for me but would still give me the thrill I was looking for – and he was right,” said Budgeon.

This weekend’s championships will be Budgeon’s third attempt at the National Title and she believes it is the best chance at a top result against some of the top drivers from all across the country.

“At the State Title held at Cockburn last year I qualified fastest in my category, won the first heat before finishing fourth in the Final so I’d hope that I can be right up there again,” said Budgeon.

“I’ve been the fastest qualifier at Cockburn nearly every race for two years, so there is no reason why I can’t continue this form at the Nationals.”

Like all sports it is the overall result that is the most rewarding, however the 22 year-old believes karting has also rewarded her by providing her with something to focus towards and keep her on the ‘straight and narrow’ during her teenage years.

“Karting is a funny sport, a lot of the times you just don’t get it right and it all seem very tough but then you get a result and it really turns your focus around,’ said Budgeon.

“Over the years the sport has really kept me on the ‘straight and narrow’ while providing me with some great memories.”

Budgeon, who competes aboard an Australian-made Omega kart, will be one of four females competing in the Senior National Light category at this weekend’s championships.

Almost 300 karters will be in action across ten categories at the championships with competitors beginning practice today ahead of qualifying on Friday (April 22). The heat races will be contested on Saturday April 23 followed by the championship finals on Sunday April 24.

The Cockburn International Raceway is located on Gemma Road, Henderson.